FIVE stone Neolithic axes assembled at Kendal Museum have been selected to be part of an important exhibition .

The axes are included in a website project intended to showcase the pioneering spirit and impact of artists, scientists and designers called A History of the North in 100 Objects.

Nominated by staff from museums and galleries across Northern England, the National Lottery funded Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM project will run until September 9.

The five stone rough-out axes were found in the central fells in 1988 and were part of a hoard at the end of the manufacture process, only needing grinding and polishing. It is believed they were deposited together to be collected later, and are thought to represent a single craftsman’s work.

"While primarily a practical object they can also be termed artistic and ceremonial," said TWAM director Iain Watson. "Without these objects there would not have been the widespread clearing of trees for agriculture which led to the society we live in today."

Objects in the exhibition can be viewed at: www.100objectsnorth.co.uk.